This spring we are starting on a complete new landscape installation in conjunction with the clients pool contractor. The pool has been decided on and will be installed. We are going to do grading, site work, sod, paving the patio, building the pool cabana, etc...

The customer would like to add a waterfall on the edge of the pool. As they don't feel its in the budget for this season we want to plan to add it next season.

Question being what do I need the pool company to add/allow for in the way of fittings, lines, extra pump capacity etc... to allow adding the water feature next year?

i have one to do on a pool in the next few seasons also. We did the retaining wall around the pool and before we started, the pool company installed another return line with ball valve installed at the pump/filter for the waterfall. I think you can see the pipe sticking out of the pooldeck in this picture.

Have them put in the futures as NCSULandscaper suggested
but make sure you are responsible for ONLY what you connect
afterwards and nothing to do with GPMs or whatever else
that limits flow prior to your installation.

I would recommend an extra wide beam that is reinforced. An additional 3000 to 6000gph pump depending on your desired flow rate and width of falls. 4" line from the pump will keep your friction loss down. The pool installer should be aware of the future install and have an additional intake plumbed or make sure the intake can handle the increased volume when the falls are on. Typically the falls are turned on during special times, and once the rock and spillways are cleaned, the pools original filtration systems are adequate.

Hey synner, I have found the "easiest" way is to have the pool company install a pre-filtered pool pump on the concrete pad where the rest of the equipt. is located. It has been really easy for us to come in later and "hook and go". The one thing we have requested it an adjustable flow pump. Simple to hook into an Aquascape falls as well and you won't need to use the filters.........good luck